“This annual effort puts faith into action by supporting all the parishes, schools, and communities across our state and beyond,” he wrote.
Jacqueline LaPan Edgerton is the executive director of the Catholic Community Foundation of South Carolina and the acting head of the Office of Stewardship and Mission Advancement, which spearheads the appeal. She explained that CASC “provides financial support for ministry and outreach support programs throughout the state.”
Bishop Fabre emphasized the importance of Scripture in his pastoral letter: “We cannot know who Jesus Christ is, or follow his way, or discern his will if we are not well-versed in the Scriptures that contain the prophecies and promises of his arrival. Our parishes should be vibrant places where the Word of God is regularly read and studied.”
Knowledge of God and His creations lies at the root of Catholic beliefs. To know, love, and serve Jesus is paramount to fostering a holy and productive relationship with our brothers and sisters. In giving of ourselves, we come to know the God who came to save us.
We are further encouraged to invite others, including friends and family, to join in and share our faith through the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (OCIA) and help them prepare for reception into the Catholic faith.
Retreats, speaking events, and other diocesan programs further encourage learning and living the Gospel. Alongside CASC giving, these initiatives support programs and ministries that advance the faith through good works.
All of these efforts are encapsulated within the three overarching projects of the appeal:
– **Givers of His Love**
– **Teachers of His Children**
– **Servants of His People**
The goal for CASC this year has been raised to $5.5 million, a 10% increase over previous years. Several factors have led to this increase, including the growth of parish communities, more seminarians under formation, and the continued expansion of diocesan ministries and programs.
The diocese comprises about 250,000 Catholics in nearly 100,000 households. It is served by 113 diocesan, 46 religious, and 22 missionary priests across 96 parishes and 20 missions.
Additionally, there are 32 diocesan schools, 16 campus ministries, and 85 youth ministry programs statewide, plus eight offices for Catholic Charities of South Carolina, which run a variety of vital programs.
The Diocese of Charleston is unique in that it encompasses an entire state.
“As we continue to welcome so many new seminarians, open the doors of Catholic education to more families, and expand our ministerial outreach across the state, the need for your support has never been greater,” the bishop wrote.
Shaileen Riginos, Associate Superintendent for the Office of Catholic Schools, expressed gratitude for the support received through CASC.
“The Catholic Appeal of S.C. has a profound impact on Catholic education throughout our diocese, strengthening our ability to form young disciples of Christ,” Riginos said. “Through tuition assistance, the appeal enables Catholic families to provide their children with a faith-centered education rooted in Gospel values.
“Additionally, the appeal empowers our schools to address critical needs—from science labs and facility upgrades to curriculum resources and technology—allowing each school to fulfill its strategic mission in service to its unique community.”
By answering Christ’s call to carry forth His mission and be good stewards, supporters of the Catholic Appeal of South Carolina are lighting the way for our Church to remain ever-present across the Palmetto State.
As we read in Ephesians 2:10,
“For we are his handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.”
“I am overjoyed with the success of last year’s Catholic Appeal of South Carolina, and I am encouraged to see that so many families are on fire with zeal for the Catholic faith,” Bishop Fabre shared. “Our diocese is experiencing exponential growth in vocations, Catholic schools, and our visible presence in society. Please join together to continue what the great saints have dedicated their lives to building. God bless you, and thank you for your participation in this year’s appeal.”
Every gift makes a difference. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of others and in our Church family.
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### Goals of Our Appeal
**Givers of His Love**
This facet includes Multi-Ethnic Ministries, catechetical and evangelization programs, communications, Youth and Child Protection Services, and Family Life ministries. It also supports parish outreach programs focusing on the homeless and those experiencing food insecurity.
**Teachers of His Children**
CASC supports increased access to affordable, Christ-centered education through grants to Catholic schools and tuition assistance. The appeal also dedicates funds to over 20 college campus ministries across South Carolina, as well as FOCUS missionaries, chaplains, and campus ministers.
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### Giving Options
– A one-time gift
– A pledge payable over 10 months
– An automatically recurring gift that continues until you elect otherwise
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### Donate Today
Visit [charlestondiocese.org/catholic-appeal](https://charlestondiocese.org/catholic-appeal)
Or fill out the envelope found in your parish pew!
Thank you for your generosity and support!
https://themiscellany.org/you-make-difference-annual-catholic-appeal
